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5 Holistic Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

September 25, 2019

Written by Krista Harper

Stress and anxiety are inevitable in life. We can choose to
fight against these necessary evils, or we can learn how to accept and manage
them. They don’t have to be a negative interference, and life can be fully
enjoyed, daily stressors and all. Even severe levels can be alleviated with
these five holistic ways to reduce stress and anxiety.

Write it
down.

Recent research has found that expressive writing may help relieve stress and
anxiety. This should come as no surprise to those who’ve tried journaling as a
way to organize their thoughts and feelings, as well as to look back at them
later for potential insight on current circumstances.

One study, conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago, found that those with test anxiety
who quickly jotted down their feelings and thoughts before taking a test earned
higher grades than students who did not.

Find your
“best stress zone”.

Stress and anxiety left unchecked can lead to disease,
damaged relationships, and a decline in mental health, among other results of
neglecting self-care. Sometimes it’s hard to remember
that a healthy level of stress can actually increase productivity and a sense
of accomplishment.

Finding your best stress zone involves everything you do to
prepare for stressful situations, both expected and unexpected. This zone –
where family, work, and life in general are in balance – is where you will find
your optimum productivity.

Don’t lose
sleep over it.

No matter how stressful something might be in your life, it’s not worth losing sleep over it. The more you stress, the more sleep you lose. The more sleep you lose, the more you stress – simple as that. Everything you experience in life, both good and bad, will be more enjoyable and manageable with consistent, restorative sleep.

Sleep and stress will fight a losing battle against
each other until your sleep habits provide you with the sleep you need. Step in
and save the day by developing a relaxing wind-down routine before bed, getting
plenty of exercise, and avoiding caffeine and device screens at least 2 hours
before bed.

Take breaks.

Not taking breaks during the day, or eliminating them
altogether, can lead to burnout and lost productivity. According to a National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study, “strategic rest breaks” throughout
the day did not lower productivity in workers.

Frequent breaks will also alleviate eye strain and
musculoskeletal discomfort, especially if a quick walk around the block is
involved.

Get to know
Mother Nature.

There’s something about spending time in
nature
that makes you feel connected in a way that you don’t when in the midst of
day-to-day life, even when surrounded by many people. Granted, it’s not always
possible to find yourself lost in nature but making time to soak up Mother
Nature a few times a week will carry into your day-to-day life, calming you in
stressful situations.

We evolved in nature, and we are part of nature – as it is a
part of us. It reminds us to notice and appreciate silence, as opposed to
buzzing overstimulation that puts stress on brains that were originally wired
in tranquil environments.